Chelsea have signed some of the world’s best over the years, but not everyone hits their top level at Stamford Bridge.
From the days of Roman Abramovich to BlueCo today, Chelsea have always been a dominant force in the transfer market.
The Blues attract some of the finest talents in football, but some don’t adjust well to life in England. For example, Ballon d’Or winner Andriy Shevchenko flopped at Chelsea despite being touted as one of the Premier League’s most exciting additions.
That was also the case with a Brazilian who came to the club as one of the world’s best, but made just 26 appearances.
Filipe Luis acknowledges Chelsea failure
Over ten years ago, Filipe Luis was signed from Atletico Madrid, seen as a world-class left-back who would be a game-changer for Jose Mourinho.
Cesar Azpilicueta said Luis was the best left-back when he arrived, but he would only last a season before returning to the Spanish capital.
Reflecting on his time in England with John Obi Mikel, Luis was apologetic about his failure to meet expectations.
As per The Obi One Podcast, he says: “I played against Chelsea when I went back to Atletico. And it was special, you know, because when Chelsea bought me from Atletico Madrid, I know they had, they made the effort because it was 20 million euros, I think, in that moment.
“Marina and also Abramovich, they spent the money. And I feel that I couldn’t give it back, you know, I didn’t play so well there. And I wasn’t myself in that time. So I also say sorry to all the guys. Yeah, I feel sorry.”
There’s no bad blood from Chelsea fans towards the Brazilian.
The £16 million fee he commanded was a drop in the ocean compared to some of the spending going on at that time. Not to mention the fact that Chelsea won the league in his only season there.
Filipe Luis is thriving in Brazil
Now 40, Luis has turned his attention to management.
His first job was at the club he finished his playing career at, Flamengo. He started out as a youth coach but took up the role of manager late last year, leading his side to the Copa do Brasil trophy.
Chelsea faced Flamengo and Luis at the Club World Cup just a few months ago, where he showed his tactical prowess notching a 3-1 win against the eventual winners.
Flamengo are a point off top-placed Palmeiras in the Brazilian Serie A after a vital win over them a few weeks ago. Their season is entering the final weeks, and there’s every chance the former Chelsea man can get his second title in a short space of time.
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